The Laker/Lutz News

Museum of Science and Industry

MOSI CEO retiring

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Julian Mackenzie, president and CEO of The Museum of Science and Industry, intends to retire by the end of this summer, according to a MOSI news release.
During his four years with the nonprofit science center, he guided it through major changes, including a significant reorganization and complete refocusing of the museum’s exhibits and footprint, the news release says.

“If we want to build a better region and world, we must have children and adults who understand science, technology, engineering and mathematics. I love that every person who comes through the MOSI doors brings us closer to this vision,” Mackenzie said, in the release.

A transition committee has been formed to lead the process for naming Mackenzie’s successor.

New MOSI exhibit goes ‘beyond’

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The Museum of Science and Industry’s (MOSI) summer exhibit, “Space For Art,” through the Space For Art Foundation, is now open, at 4801 E. Fowler Ave., in Tampa.

More than 1,000 children in hospitals and schools from nine countries submitted artwork to the Postcards to Space mission. Their artwork makes up this message of unity for the crew of the ISS (International Space Station). To see a full video for the astronauts, which includes the voices of the children, visit YouTube.com, and search Postcards to Space. (Courtesy of SpaceForArtFoundation.org)

The foundation’s mission is to use community art projects to inspire and unite children in hospitals, refugee centers and schools around the world, along with a team of art, aerospace, astronaut and health professionals. Its projects focus on space exploration, and the connection between personal and planetary health. The foundation’s work also aims to raise awareness of each person’s role as a crew member, not just a passenger, on ‘Spaceship Earth.’

The visual MOSI exhibit aims to engage all ages through the use of paintings, sculpture, drawings and a digital interactive experience. It also includes art from “individuals in STEM-related fields, as well as pieces from the Apollo astronauts, cosmonauts and other space travelers,” as stated in a press release.

Kids from around the world now can join the foundation’s crew for its next mission, “Beyond,” and are encouraged to simply look for inspiration in the night sky, through books about the universe, a window, or videos and pictures from space. Then, make a painting or drawing of how you imagine Earth in the universe (no special materials are required).

Take a picture of the artwork and email it to , or post on Facebook.com/SpaceForArtFoundation. Don’t forget to let the foundation know where you are on the planet, too.

Artwork will be shared online and participants will be updated on global community projects, as well.

The Space for Art Foundation states on its website that it “aims to facilitate and implement space-themed art and healing programs; to award scholarships and grants to art students and artists who want to develop their own space-themed art therapy ideas; and to document its work in support of ongoing research in the field of art and healing.”

For information about the exhibit, call MOSI at (813) 987-6000.

To learn more about the foundation and its projects, visit SpaceForArtFoundation.org/projects.

Published July 15, 2020

Museum will continue to honor Blue Star program

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The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) has long been a Blue Star Museum, providing free admission for military families.

In April of this year, the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families decided to take a break from the Blue Star Museums free admission program for the summer, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, MOSI has announced that it will continue to honor the Blue Star Museum program, despite its earlier plans.

“In a community like Tampa, where our military has such a positive impact on all of us, we thought it would be the right thing to do as a resource for these families from an education and entertainment point of view,” said Rob Lamke, MOSI’s chief operating officer, in a news release.

The museum will provide free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families, from July 1 through Sept. 7.

Blue Star Museums is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in collaboration with Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 2,000 museums nationwide.

For more than 35 years, MOSI has been offering programs to all in the Tampa Bay community that focus on a variety of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

Published July 1, 2020

MOSI focusing more on community outreach

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In just a few years, the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) has gone from being millions of dollars in debt to being financially sustainable, operating in the black.

The turnaround of the North Tampa organization has come under the new leadership of Julian McKenzie, who was promoted as museum CEO in 2017, after serving less than a year as its CFO.

Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) CEO Julian McKenzie was the featured guest speaker at the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting earlier this month at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus in Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of MOSI)

The museum leader led a restructuring effort that saw the organization downsize its East Fowler Avenue campus from 300,000 square feet to about 55,000 square feet, while trimming just about 10% of overall exhibit space.

“The big issue for MOSI was it was trying to be too much for too many people,” McKenzie said, during a recent North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting.

Museum leadership had to reconfigure its “core competencies and core values,” the CEO added, during the session, at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus in Wesley Chapel.

That has meant a shift toward a greater focus on community outreach — a mission of spreading more science education in schools and other youth organizations like the Boys & Girls Club, and Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, McKenzie said.

It’s entailed a renovated learning center on campus to host homeschooled children and summer camps, as well as a mobile science lab that features interactive STEAM workshops and assemblies. Another new program, in partnership with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, allows youth get to build a robot with the help of a police office, “so that it kind of demystifies the role of law enforcement,” McKenzie said.

“For me, outreach is essential,” the speaker said. “There is no reason why a kid in Dade City cannot benefit from the same level of science education as a kid from Temple Terrace.”

MOSI reopened in November 2017 following a three-month renovation.

Since then, the venue has hosted about 70,000 children through school field trips, and has reached another 55,000 through its mobile outreach program, McKenzie said.

Roughly 50% of children lose interest in science by eighth grade, he said.

He believes MOSI’s outreach efforts can change that.

The museum executive detailed how one of his colleagues is a first-generation immigrant whose parents don’t speak English, but a MOSI youth summer camp sparked interest in volunteering at the museum and then going on to college.

There are “dozens of other examples” of people who caught the science bug on a MOSI field trip or visit and are now leading engineers at institutions like Georgia Tech “and some other fancy universities,” McKenzie said.

He also told those gathered at the chamber breakfast that there’s a correlation among cities with “very, very strong science centers that are very involved in the local community” to high-paying jobs and high average median salaries in those particular communities.

McKenzie also shared a story about a Temple Terrace-based school where science pass rates were just 14%. After MOSI implemented outreach programs at the school, those rates rose to 48%, he said.

“I don’t want to fault the teachers, but it’s the foundation that is missing, and what we at MOSI are good at doing is building a strong foundation in science education for those kids.”

He continued, “We have the expertise in-house, and so what we’re pushing is the expertise that we have accumulated and track record that we’ve had in doing so. The results we have at that one school are systematic of what MOSI can have.”

McKenzie outlined MOSI’s next “ambitious plan” is to host education outreach days to all schools in the following area counties — DeSoto, Hardee, Hillsborough, Hernando, Pasco and Pinellas. Put another way, he believes MOSI “can reach 221,000 kids and really make a difference.”

The museum also has launched an outreach program to serve at-risk youth at various juvenile detention centers in the area.

“If we can light that spark and do something that they change their way of life — or they have something to focus on — then I think we have really achieved our objective,” McKenzie said.

“It kind of dawned on me, that was an area of the community that we’re not touching,” he said. “But, they are the kids that, in my opinion, are the most in need.”

Meanwhile, McKenzie said museum leadership has worked to boost visitor experience with more hands-on, functional exhibits on polymers, DNA, rockets, robots and astronomy, as well as establishing an art factory with a resident artist.

And, the museum isn’t just for kids.

The venue has introduced “Science After Dark” allowing adults to tour the facility with light appetizers, and beer and wine samplings. The next event is scheduled for April 6 at 6 p.m.

The museum also plays host to STEM networking, corporate teambuilding and events geared toward seniors. “We’re trying to have that balance,” McKenzie said of serving various community segments.

As for other plans, McKenzie pitched the possibility of changing the name to “Museum of Science and Innovation,” and developing an exhibit to showcase the region’s most innovative technology companies. “It’s part of our strategic review we’re going through,” he said of the name change proposal.

McKenzie, too, addressed rumors of MOSI getting moved to downtown Tampa, so Hillsborough County can redevelop the present site: “As you all know, anything to do with government takes decades, so I’m not too worried about it. We’re doing well, we’re thriving where we’re at, and that’s where I want us to stay, moving forward and impacting kids as we’re there.”

He also said this: “Before I joined (MOSI), I thought, ‘What the heck am I getting myself into?,’ and I look at it today, and I’m very happy to say it has completely turned around and the institution is very, very strong right now.”

Published March 11, 2020

Seven Oaks PTA supports student achievement

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Seven Oaks Elementary School, in Wesley Chapel, has been named one of the 2019-2021 National PTA Schools of Excellence.

The accolade recognizes schools across the country which have strived to make advancements for student education in their schools.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning, left, stands alongside Principal Shauntte Butcher, of Seven Oaks Elementary; Denise Nicholas, Heather Buboltz and School Board member Alison Crumbley. Butcher displays the certificate her school received after being named one of the 2019-2021 National PTA Schools of Excellence. (Courtesy of Seven Oaks Elementary School)

Three Pasco County schools achieved the honor, announced over the summer. Besides Seven Oaks, the others who received recognition are Wiregrass Ranch High School and River Ridge Middle School.

Heather Buboltz, former president of Seven Oaks PTA board, was instrumental in garnering the recognition.

“Everything is focused on the kids, and how we can improve things for them and their schooling,” Buboltz said.

The PTA board, which consists of parents and school staff, routinely holds meetings.

Denise Nicholas, who is first vice president of Seven Oaks PTA and president of the Pasco County Council PTA, said principals also sit on the board and have a voice in board decisions.

Parents also get to offer input during general assembly meetings held throughout the school year. And, online polling gives parents another opportunity to offer their thoughts, too.

For instance, based on feedback calling for an increased focus on technology and communication, Seven Oaks concentrated its efforts on the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) program.

The school previously welcomed representatives from Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), which helped bring science to life through the use of telescopes and activities.

Seven Oaks also had an Omegaman presentation, as part of its effort to combat bullying.

At the assembly, a live superhero offered lessons on the importance of kindness.

“It’s a really great program,” said Maria Balestriere, current president of Seven Oaks PTA. “The kids really related and had a great time with him.”

The PTA also has implemented All Pro Dads, a program in which dads accompany their kids on campus, engaging in activities and breakfast, too.

And, students stay fit while being chaperoned outdoors for Walk and Bike to School days.

Children also get a chance to learn to be more independent through the PTA’s holiday shopping on campus, which gives kids a chance to select gifts for family members.

That program, Balestriere said, gives children a chance to learn about budgeting. And, on top of that, it teaches them how to be thoughtful about other people.

“Reading Under the Stars” gives kids the chance to appreciate literature in a fun way.

During the last evening event, both the principal and vice principal of Seven Oaks read to students who were dressed in pajamas and eating s’mores.

“Programs that we find that are successful, we try and continue,” Buboltz said.

However, new ones have received positive reception as well.

The most recent Ketchup Club gets adult volunteers to sit with kindergarteners and first-graders, and help them prepare for lunch.

The Seven Oaks PTA also has partnered with other PTAs to see how each school can assist one another.

“Seven Oaks has done a phenomenal job bringing their programs, and bringing the help and support to other elementary schools here in the area,” Nicholas said.

Buboltz said that the progress Seven Oaks has made is due to everyone working cohesively and sharing ideas.

Last year, the school’s PTA board attended the Florida PTA Legislative Conference in Tallahassee.

There, they met with Pasco County officials to once again advocate for students’ best interests.

“We’re dedicated to making a difference for all these kids,” Nicholas said.

Published January 29, 2020

MOSI offers a hands-on approach to science

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The Museum of Science and Industry — known as MOSI, for short — has been a staple within the Tampa Bay Area for 30 years.

And, the tourist attraction is showing no signs of slowing down.

Last month, it unveiled its Dinovations Lab exhibit.

This large reptilian is a landmark to help tourists spot where to have a day of fun. (Brian Fernandes)

“The star of our Dinovations Lab is our full-sized Diplodocus dinosaur,” said  Anthony Pelaez, senior director of exhibits and innovation at MOSI.

The exhibit is a new addition, but Diplodocus — the centerpiece of the exhibit — is no stranger to frequent MOSI guests.

In 1998, a replica of the dinosaur’s skeletal frame was built and housed in the museum’s original building. Earlier this year, it was moved to the adjacent building to take its place among other exhibits.

But, the museum also has built an environment with a theme related to Diplodocus.

“The dinosaurs were always something that people kept asking for,” the exhibits director said. “When we made the transition, we decided to use this as an opportunity to create a dinosaur exhibition.”

The 90-foot-long Diplodocus clearly makes a statement — as it towers over everything.

And, inside the Dinovations Lab, fun awaits.

At the Cargo Loader station, guests can sit outside of a large rectangular dome with clear windows.

Ever wonder what it would be like to operate a driverless automobile? MOSI has an instructional video on how this one works.

Using a console, guests guide a hook to lift up the top of crates, which contain roaring dinosaurs.

There’s also a Paleo Lab, where visitors can analyze fossils using a microscope that zooms in and displays its findings on TV monitors.

The same concept is found at the Geo Lab station, where the focus of exploration is prehistoric rocks.

Dinosaur toys are set up for kids who want a little playtime and, behind a clear case, there’s a replica of the size and shape of a Diplodocus egg.

As guests roam from station to station, they can learn from facts that are posted regarding the gigantic reptile.

On any given day, for instance, Diplodocus ate 80 pounds of leaves and plants.

That may help to explain the reptile’s staggering weight of 29,000 pounds.

Pelaez said that the new exhibit has been well-received by the public.

He describes it this way: “It’s a fantastic way for them to get excited about the sciences.”

While an added amenity can be exciting, other existing exhibits continue to offer intrigue and instill awe among spectators.

The Bionic Man, on display at MOSI, shows how modern day technology helps to aid and advance the human body with artificial hearts, prosthetics and silicone.

Beside the Dinovations Labs is the Art Factory.

That’s where paintings galore can be found.

One might spot artist Michael Knapp at his usual spot painting the wonders of astronomy or technological innovations.

When kids feel like being proactive, they can sit at the Idea Zone exhibit.

Here, the youth can work on their own projects, whether they choose arts, crafts or building a customized robot.

The Connectus room gives visitors an opportunity to learn about technology, and provides a chance to imagine what the future may offer.

With touchscreen panels, guests can learn about the history of aviation and new developments that are expected in coming years.

Other touchscreen panels allow people to build their own ‘smart city,’ factoring in environmental needs, education, transportation and recreation.

State-of-the-art drones are on display, as is MOSI’s own driverless automobile — where guests can walk inside and tour.

Mission: Moonbase appeals to those who are fascinated by what lies beyond the Earth.

As one steps into this dim-lit space, a narrator explains the wonders of flying through the galaxy.

Various consoles offer a chance for guests to put their video game skills to work, maneuvering on the moon or other various planets.

With sound effects, the exhibit creates a sense of what it feels like at a launch pad and taking off into space.

As the newest addition to MOSI, the Dinovations Lab gives insight into dinosaurs, especially its comeback attraction – the 90-foot-long Diplodocus.

Slippery Science provides insight regarding how hockey arenas are set up, while the Saunders Planetarium gives guests a simulated tour though the solar system.

While roaming from one exhibit to the next, there are displays and activities that may stir one’s curiosity. Tug-O-War is one example of this.

By using a mechanical device, participants can tug a rope from both ends, trying to draw wooden objects in their direction.

Displayed in a clear, cylinder case, the Bionic Man stands tall showing spectators how modern science has advanced the human body.

His body is made of silicone, an artificial heart, dentures, prosthetics limbs and replaced joints.

The Hurricane Tube incapsulates guests in a chamber, where cranking up a speed dial allows them to experience the intense force of hurricane winds.

The Tesla Coil may seem intimidating at first as it requires the tips of a gloved hand to come in contact with an electrical discharge.

However, once a hand is placed inside, the metal-meshed glove and the start button is pushed, the only shock felt is the awe in what is being witnessed.

And, for those who want to venture outdoors, there is a playground, as well as an obstacle course made of ropes.

MOSI’s location across from the University of South Florida and along a busy main road, make it an easy attraction to spot.

While there have been past discussions about relocating MOSI to downtown Tampa that idea has been dropped, Pelaez said.

And, the museum is busy gearing up for new activities.

This month, it kicks off the ‘One Small Step’ summer exhibit, with a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 launch into space. The exhibit will offer an extensive history on the mission.

With new amenities on the rise, the museum takes pride in using fun and creativity to educate tomorrow’s leaders, Pelaez said.

“There’s a lot to be said for the power of imagination in science,” he said.

Museum of Science and Industry
Where: 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa
When: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $12.95 for ages 13 to 59; $10.95 for age 60 and up; $7.95 for ages 3 to 12; free admission for age 2 and under
Details: This historic landmark in the Tampa Bay Area merges science and technology with hands-on fun, whether for a class field trip or an entire family.
Info: Call the museum at (813) 987-6000, or visit MOSI.org.

Published May 08, 2019

A time to remember military sacrifice

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Our nation is preparing to observe Memorial Day, in honor of the men and women who died while serving in the armed forces.

The American holiday, which falls on the last Monday of May each year, originally was known as Decoration Day. It began in the years following the Civil War and was declared an official federal holiday in 1971.

(File)

To mark the holiday weekend, several events and ceremonies are planned for the region. Here is a listing of some of those events.

  • Lutz-Land O’ Lakes American Legion Post 108 will be placing flags at the Lutz cemetery May 27 and retrieving them May 30, both days at 9 a.m. The group also will be selling poppies, for a donation, at the Sunlake Publix, on Memorial Day, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Veterans Memorial Park and LeRoy Collins Jr. Veterans Museum, 3602 U.S. 301 N., in Tampa, will host its 20th annual Memorial Day ceremony May 28 at 11 a.m. The event will include patriotic songs, a keynote speech, a POW/MIA Missing Man Remembrance Celebration, a wreath presentation, a rifle salute and taps. Guests can bring lawn chairs. The park, monuments and museum are free and open to the public. For information, call (813) 744-5502.
  • The Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, 4150 S. Suncoast Blvd., in Homosassa, will host a Memorial Day event May 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with special activities to recognize and honor those who served our country. Volunteers will be collecting items (toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags and laundry soap) for the Mission in Citrus Homeless Veterans Shelter. Visitors can support the Honor Flight network and write notes to veterans of World War II and Korean War. For information, call Susan Strawbridge at (352) 628-5445, ext. 1002, or Carla Nicklas at (352) 257-1480.
  • The Florida National Cemetery, 6502 S.W. 102nd Ave., in Bushnell, will have a Memorial Day ceremony May 29 at 11 a.m., in the Assembly Area. For information, call (352) 793-7740.
  • Oldsmar will host its annual Memorial Day ceremony May 29 at 10 a.m., at Veterans Memorial Park, 250 Shore Drive E., in Oldsmar. The keynote speaker will be Brian Anderson, CEO of Veterans Alternative. Local singer Malori Shaw will perform. The outdoor event will take place rain or shine. Admission is free.

Additionally, some local attractions, including The Museum of Science and Industry, at 4801 E. Fowler Ave., and Lowry Park Zoo, at 1101 W. Sligh Ave. have special offers for members of the military.

The Museum of Science and Industry is offering free admission all summer for active-duty members of the United States military and their families from May 27 through the end of Labor Day weekend, Sept. 4.

Veterans can visit MOSI for free on Labor Day weekend, and can bring up to five family members. For information, visit MOSI.org.

CORRECTION: This year, members of the military can purchase discounted tickets for The Lowry Park Zoo at MacDill Air Force Base. For more information, call (813) 935-8552. There also is a crash sale this holiday weekend on the greater one-horned rhino encounter and behind-the-scenes tour. To learn more, visit TLPZ.org/tours.

Published May 24, 2017

 

Turning back the clock to the 16th century

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Every year, tens of thousands of people get a chance to transport themselves into the past and escape from the real world at the Bay Area Renaissance Festival.

A knight and rook battle it out on a large chess board during one of the human chess match events at MOSI’s Renaissance Festival.
(Fred Bellet)

Now entering its 39th season, the annual festival attracts about 80,000 people a year, according to the festival’s website.

Set in 1524 in the fictional English town of Fittleworth, the seven-week long Tampa festival creates a captivating medieval adventure, with no shortage of sights and spectacles.

From re-enactments of King Henry VIII and Queen Catherine Parr, there’s a litany of characters — peasants, gypsies and fairies — all of which never stray from using English accents.
At every turn, the festival offers amusement for children and adults, alike.

Besides an eclectic blend of renaissance-style mimes and madrigals, there’s archery contests, live-armored jousting and elephant rides.

Dawn Boone of Riverview uses her phone to capture the king and queen’s entrance into the Renaissance Festival grounds.

With modest beginnings in Largo, the jubilee relocated to Tampa in 2004, adjacent to the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), at 11315 North 46th St.

To accommodate its cult following and ever-growing demand, the festival expanded to seven weekends long.

Each weekend has a distinctive motif.

The weekend of March 18, for instance, was titled Shamrocks & Shenanigans, an ode to St. Patrick’s Day.

Festival Friday kicks off the final weekend, starting March 31.

That is followed by the pirate-themed High Seas Adventures, on April 1 and April 2.

Its attractions include a pirate costume contest, tattoo competition and pirate peg leg relay race.

For thousands of festivalgoers each year, dressing up in diverse medieval garb is a significant aspect of the event’s charm.

So, too, is meeting like-minded people with similar interests in renaissance culture.

Lutz residents, Scott Dorman, left, and his 8-year-old son, Nathan, portrayed members of a Scottish Clan, wearing a McLeod kilt and carrying hardwood walking sticks. Like father, like son, the two have attended every weekend of the event for the past three seasons. Nathan hopes to participate at the event as a re-enactor, someday.

“It’s fun. You get to know the people — the repeats,” said Niko Alissandratos, of Tarpon Springs, who was sporting Vulcan ears and a vintage drinking horn during the March 18 weekend.

Another patron, Alicia Askey, makes it a point to drive down from Ocala each year to attend the festival with her husband, Stephen.

Besides the varied food and entertainment offerings, she enjoys the ability to express herself, this year portraying an Anglo-Saxon from the 12th century.

“I like being able to dress up,” Askey said, “and no one looks at you funny.”

The same mindset can be applied to Lutz resident Scott Dorman, and his 8-year old son, Nathan.

Both portrayed members of a Scottish clan, wearing a MacLeod kilt and toting hardwood walking sticks.

Matching outfits aside, the festival’s choreographed human combat chess match is one reason the father and son have attended the show three years running.

Dorman, who grew up playing Dungeons and Dragons as a youth, said he enjoys “everything” about Bay Area Renaissance Festival.
“It’s just a lot of fun,” Dorman said. “Each year we come a little more often and get more into it.”

The Renaissance Festival appears to be a hit among vendors, too.

Queen Katherine Parr, portrayed by Catherine Jett, of Tampa, enters the staging area to watch the human chess match.

Amanda Stevens is the owner and operator of Krakens Chest, which produces on-site pirate rings and other jewelry.

Part of the festival’s appeal, Stevens said, is its leniency in portrayals from the entirety of renaissance period, which spans from the 14th century to the 17th century.

Unlike some other medieval-themed festivals, she values the ability to roam as any character, may it be a knight, a pirate, or a Greek warrior.

“I think a lot of people like this festival,” Stevens said, “because it’s not strict.”

“It’s more like a giant convention,” she added, “because you see people dressed up as everything here.”

A regular since the event’s Largo days, Stevens noted the renaissance festival does have a “different feel” since it moved to Tampa.

Nearby traffic on Fowler Avenue and other urban noises, she explained, can sometimes disrupt the festival’s ambiance, contrary to the wide-open, rural setting in Largo.

“You felt like you were transported back in time,” said Stevens, referring to the festival venue in Largo. “It was in the backwoods and you had to walk like half a mile to get to the (entrance) gate, so you really felt like you were in the Renaissance period.”

Fourteen-year old Marina Khimko, of Brooksville, who because of a rare birth defect lives life from a wheelchair, was overwhelmed when the re-enactors presented her with a Shakespearean-period, purple velvet dress with gold-braiding. She was there with her mom, Rebecca Smith, of Brooksville.

The proximity to the bustling Fowler roads, however, doesn’t disrupt the experience for Cat Desharnais, one of Stevens’ co-workers.

To her, it’s still a “getaway” from everyday life.

“I love it. It’s a fun time to be artistic and creative,” said Desharnais, of Tampa. “I meet a lot of crafty people and mobile artists; it’s very nice.”

For pop culture junkies, the festival incorporates some elements from Game of Thrones, the hit HBO television series.

Desharnais noted several attendees in recent years have dressed up as various characters from the show: “You’ll find a dozen Khaleesis just walking around.”

One of the best moments during the festival’s March 18 offerings came during opening ceremonies, when re-enactors presented a Shakespearean-style purple velvet dress to Marina Khimko, a 14-year-old who lives from a wheelchair because of a rare birth defect.

As the teenager from Brooksville, smiled ear-to-ear, her mother, Rebecca Smith, said described the gesture as being “spectacular.”

The Bay Area Renaissance Festival kicks off its final weekend on March 31 and concludes on April 2. For information, visit BayAreaRenFest.com. The popular seven-weekend long event is at MOSI, 11315 North 46th St., near the University of South Florida.

Published March 29, 2017

There’s no shortage of holiday cheer here

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The Thanksgiving turkey and all of the fixins’ — and all of the leftovers — are gone.

The lighted entryway at the Florida Botanical Gardens sums up the sentiment of many holiday events in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area and the Tampa Bay region. (File Photo)
The lighted entryway at the Florida Botanical Gardens sums up the sentiment of many holiday events in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area and the Tampa Bay region.
(File Photo)

Lucky for you, you’ve got a whole month of holiday happenings available for your enjoyment.

Here’s a look at just some of the free and low-cost options being offered in the The Laker/Lutz News coverage area, with a few other regional events tossed in that we thought would give you some holiday pleasure.

 

Lutz

  • 37th annual Lutz Arts & Crafts Show, on Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Keystone Preparatory High School, 18105 Gunn Highway in Odessa. The event is free, but there will be a $5 parking charge to benefit the school. Event organizers expect about 355 vendors, and between 30,000 to 40,000 festival-goers.
  • 20th annual Christmas at the Old Lutz School, on select evenings from Dec. 8 through Dec. 27 at the school, 18819 N. US 41 in Lutz. Hours are 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., on Dec. 8, Dec. 10, Dec. 11, Dec. 13, Dec. 15, Dec. 17, Dec. 18, Dec. 20, Dec. 22, Dec. 26 and Dec. 27. Admission is free, but there will be barrels to collect nonperishable food items and toys for families that are less fortunate. The building is decked out for the holidays, and there will be entertainment, too.
  • Breakfast with Santa at the Old Lutz School, on Dec. 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the school, 18819 N. US 41. There is a $4 charge for breakfast, and a visit from Santa Claus.
  • Handbells & Friends, a free holiday concert on Dec. 14 from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., at First United Methodist of Lutz at 960 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road. The public is welcome to this concert which will feature handbells, vocals and other instruments.
  • Tampa Bay Tour De Clay, a free family friendly, self-guided tour of four local pottery studios, Dec. 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Dec. 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The tour includes: Pottery Boys Studio, 30 Bogle Lane in Palm Harbor; Hidden Lake Pottery, 16705 Hutchinson Road in Odessa; Wellman & Welsch Pottery, 17202 Wirley Road in Lutz; and, San Antonio Pottery, 11903 Curley St., in San Antonio. (San Antonio Pottery will be open until 8 p.m. on Dec. 10). For more information, visit TampaTourDeClay.com.

North Tampa

  • CABA tree lighting, Dec. 3 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Elmcroft at Carrollwood, 2626 W. Bearss Ave.
  • Build a Toy with Santa at the Museum of Science & Industry, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., in Tampa. Children will be able to come to the museum’s Idea Zone creativity lab to make a toy to take home. Santa Claus will drop by the workshop to share pointers on holiday cheer. The workshop will be open through Jan. 3. It is included in the normal museum admission charge. For more information, visit MOSI.org.
  • Christmas in Song, free concert on Dec. 18 at 7 p.m., in the sanctuary at Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church, 2902 W. Fletcher Ave., Tampa. This free, family friendly concert features the church’s chancel choir, orchestra and handbells.
  • “Simply Christmas,” Christmas Eve services at Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church, 2902 W. Fletcher Ave. The evening will include a Spontaneous Christmas Pageant at 5 p.m.; a contemporary Christmas service at 6:30 p.m.; lessons and carols at 8 p.m.; and, traditional communion services at 11 p.m.

Land O’ Lakes

  • Christmas Holiday Bazaar at Harvester United Methodist Church, 2432 Collier Parkway, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free to this event, which features a free photo with Santa, a bounce house village, a candy trail, holiday shopping, food trucks, giveaways and games. Those attending also will have a chance to meet the Mascot “Blue” from the Tampa Yankees. Plus, there will be resources for families affected by autism, including sensory-friendly activities for children.
  • Heritage Holiday Card Walk, sponsored by the Wesley Chapel Land O’ Lakes Satellite Rotary, from Dec. 3 to Jan. 7 at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, at 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

The event will have around 30 full-size cards on display, ranging in size from 6 feet by 4 feet to 8 feet by 4 feet. Cards can be placed on Dec. 3 between 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. For information, call (813) 996-3011.

  • 23rd annual Flapjack 5k and 1-mile run, on Dec. 11, at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway. The 5k starts at 8 a.m., and the 1-mile starts at 8:45 a.m. A flapjack breakfast follows the race for each runner; non-runners can donate $5 for breakfast. Santa will be there for photos, too.

Wesley Chapel

  • CalAtlantic Homes presents Symphony in Lights, with shows on the hour between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., through Dec. 31 at The Shops at Wiregrass, at State Road 56 and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard in Wesley Chapel. The show features snow, sparkle and sounds of the season. For more information, visit TheShopsAtWiregrass.com.
  • Movies under the stars, Holiday Movie Marathon at Tampa Premium Outlets, 2300 Grand Cypress Drive in Lutz. See TampaPremiumOutlets.com for dates and times. The outlet center also will have community holiday entertainment, on select days and times through Dec. 24, and also will have a Community Gift Wrap through Dec. 24, with local organizations benefiting from donations.

Dade City

  • Country Christmas Open House, at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, on Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event offers free admission to the attraction, with the donation of an unwrapped toy that will be given to a local Dade City charity. The event starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. This is a great opportunity to come out and visit the museum’s charming history, do some holiday shopping with its vendors, listen to some Christmas music and hear the Solid Gold Barbershop Quartet. Bring the kiddos out to see Mr. Tommy Presents. He will have two performances at 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 p.m. Santa & Mrs. Claus will be here from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and we will offer complimentary photos by photographer Christina Strong. The barrel train also will give rides, and there will be a train show in the Mable Jordan Barn. The museum will serve punch and cookies, and hot dogs and hamburgers will be available at the concession stand. For more information, call (352) 567-0262 or (352) 206-8889, or visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org.
  • Country Crafters third annual Arts and Crafts Fair, Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Country Aire Manor Clubhouse, 10249 U.S. 19 in Dade City. This event features a wide assortment of locally produced items, which are available for purchase.
  • The Market Place, on Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Seventh Street and Bougainvillea Avenue in downtown Dade City. The market will feature unique holiday presents, the jazz band from Pasco High School and musician Derrick Tucker. Vendors will be offer homemade cookies, honey, jams, handmade soaps, jewelry, garden accessories, fresh produce, Scentsy, Thirty-One, handmade baskets/gourds, hand-designed coasters, artwork and more. The Market Place is free and pet friendly. It is sponsored by the Dade City Youth Council.

Zephyrhills

•   Festival of Lights on Dec. 3 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., in downtown Zephyrhills. Free photos with Santa will be offered at 38439 Fifth Ave., courtesy of Goin’ Postal. Santa will take a brief break at 6 p.m., to appear in the lighted nighttime parade.

  • Jingle Bell Boutique & Bake Sale, on Dec. 3 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the GFWC Woman’s Club of Zephyrhills Clubhouse, 38545 Fifth Ave., in downtown Zephyrhills. In addition to the customary bake sale, this will be the first year for the Jingle Bell Boutique, which will feature several women’s home-based businesses or showcase their handiwork of hobbies gone wild, and will give shoppers a chance to buy local. Proceeds from the bake sale and vendor fees will support the woman’s club’s projects.
  • Tampa Bay Tour De Clay, a free family friendly, self-guided tour of four local pottery studios, Dec. 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Dec. 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The tour includes: Pottery Boys Studio, 30 Bogle Lane in Palm Harbor; Hidden Lake Pottery, 16705 Hutchinson Road in Odessa; Wellman & Welsch Pottery, 17202 Wirley Road in Lutz; and, San Antonio Pottery, 11903 Curley St., in San Antonio. (San Antonio Pottery will be open until 8 p.m. on Dec. 10). For more information, visit TampaTourDeClay.com.

Downtown Tampa

  • Free screening of the movie “Elf” at Tampa Theatre, 711 Franklin St., in downtown Tampa on Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. Doors will open at 6 p.m., for a cocoa and cookies social in the theater’s lobby. A big announcement will be made at 7 p.m., followed by the movie. Admission is free and open to the public; however, guests are asked to visit TampaTheatre.org/events/Elf and click on the “Buy Tickets” link to print their complimentary Eventbrite ticket for guaranteed entry.

West Pasco

  • River Lights Boat Parade and holiday festival. The West Pasco Business Association is joining New Port Richey Main Street on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3 in Sims Park, near downtown New Port Richey, for the free “River Lights Boat Parade” and a holiday festival. The movie “Polar Express” will be screened on Dec. 2 in the park. The boat parade begins at 7 p.m., on Dec. 3.
  • Sixth annual “How the Grinch Saved Christmas” will be on Dec. 9 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., at the Spartan Manor, 6121 Massachusetts Ave., in New Port Richey. The West Pasco Business Association is hosting this event, which includes members of the association and the community.

Tickets are available online at WPBA.biz for $45. For more information contact Maria Johnson at (727) 934-0940 or "> .

Largo
More than than 750,000 lights have transformed the Florida Botanical Gardens, at 1250 Ulmerton Road in Largo, into a holiday wonderland. Visitors can stroll through the gardens from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., nightly through Dec. 31. A donation of $4 is suggested for those 13 and older, while children 12 and under, and parking, are free.

For more information, call (727) 582-2117 or visit, FBG.Org.

Published November 30, 2016